Patient transfer and transport bed

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a transfer and transport device and method for moving a patient from a bed to another location within a medical facility. The transport device includes an integral transfer mechanism for transferring a patient from a hospital bed to the device and back.

The present application is a continuation patent application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/369,210, filed Feb. 18, 2003, andentitled “Patient Transfer and Transport Bed”, now U.S. Pat. No.6,854,137; which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/357,911, filed Feb. 18, 2002, andentitled “Patient Transfer and Transport Device.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Patients in a medical care facility frequently require movement from onelocation to another within the facility. The frequent movement isnecessitated by the configuration of a typical facility. A typicalmedical care facility is organized into several activity centers. Theseactivity centers may include, for example, an emergency room, thepatient's home location (i.e., the patient's room), one or moreoperating rooms, a radiology area, and a recovery area. Each of theseareas typically has a procedural surface onto which the patient must betransferred, upon arrival at the activity center. For example, at thepatient's home location, the patient must be transferred to his bed. Andat the operating rooms, the patient must be transferred to the operatingtable. And in the radiology area, the patient must be transferred to anx-ray table. The configuration of a typical medical care facilitynecessitates numerous patient transfer events, during the course oftreatment. For example, a patient needing an x-ray may be subjected tofour transfer events (from his bed to a gurney, from the gurney to thex-ray table, from the x-ray table to the gurney, and from the gurneyback to his bed) and two transport events (from his room to radiologyand from radiology back to his room).

The transfer is typically performed by transferring the patient from abed to a transport device, such as a gurney. Often the patient requiringmovement is not conscious or cannot physically assist in the transfer,and so must be transferred by hospital personnel. This process typicallyinvolves two or more persons transferring the patient onto a transferdevice (e.g., a roller-board or back-board), lifting the patient fromthe bed, and moving the patient to the transport device. This process isa leading cause of injuries to hospital personnel, including nurses.Furthermore, this process can lead to injury to the patient causedeither by improper manipulation or dropping. This process will continueto become more difficult and injury-prone in the future, as studiesconsistently show that the average weight of the population, includingthe hospital patient population, is steadily increasing.

Prior devices for assisting in this transfer process includeroller-boards, backboards, and hoists. Roller-boards are unsafe if usedimproperly and require two or more people to complete the transfer.Hoists must be manipulated under the patient and often lift the patientin an awkward position, causing patient discomfort. An additionaltransfer device is a horizontal transfer device, which pulls the patienton a sheet of material from one surface to another. This device suffersfrom several disadvantages including compromised patient safety.Roller-boards, back-boards, hoists, and horizontal transfer devices arealso all separate devices from the actual transport device, whichrequires that the device be present at each activity center or betransported along with the patient.

There is a need in the art for an improved patient transfer andtransport device adapted to facilitate movement of a person from astationary bed onto a mobile platform, and from the mobile platform ontoa procedure surface, and back to the stationary bed. There is a furtherneed for an integral transfer and transport system that allows a singleoperator, possessing a minimum level of strength, to perform the patienttransfer safely and efficiently.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in one embodiment, is a patient transfer andtransport device for transferring a patient from a bed to the transportdevice and for moving the patient. The device includes a base, includinga plurality of wheels. A frame is coupled to the base. A transferplatform is moveably coupled to the frame, and includes a roller frameand a conveyor surface disposed around the roller frame. The rollerframe has a plurality of rollers including at least one drive roller. Apair of extendable transfer arms is coupled to the frame. Each transferarm includes a slotted channel, for slidably mating with the transferplatform, and at least one contact sensor for contacting the bed. Itfurther includes an electrically powered linear actuator having a gearconnected to at least one of the extendable transfer arms for extendingthe transfer arms laterally from the device.

The present invention, in another embodiment, is a method fortransferring a patient from a bed to a transfer and transport device. Inthis embodiment, the method includes positioning the transfer andtransport device along side the bed. The height of the transfer platformis manipulated such that the support arms are above the bed height. Thewheels of the device are locked to prevent movement during the transferprocess. The transfer arms are extended until they extend to near acenter of the bed. The transfer platform is lowered until the armscontact the bed. The operator logrolls the patient away from the deviceand extends the transfer platform until it reaches the patient's back.The operator logrolls the patient onto the transfer platform. Theoperator activates the conveyor to pull the patient onto a center of thetransfer platform. The operator causes the return of the transferplatform to a transport position. The device is raised and the transferarms are retracted.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of thepresent invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following detailed description, which shows and describesillustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, theinvention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, allwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded asillustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the patient transfer andtransport device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the transfer platform with its conveyorsurface in place.

FIG. 3A is a top plan view of the transfer platform with its conveyorsurface removed revealing rollers, roller banks, and a roller frame.

FIG. 3B is a top plan view of the transfer platform, according to anembodiment having a tapered edge, with the conveyor surface removedrevealing rollers, roller banks, and a roller frame.

FIG. 3C is an end elevation view of the transfer platform of FIG. 3B.

FIG. 3D is a top plan view of the transfer platform, according to oneembodiment, with the conveyor surface removed revealing a low-frictionplatform in place of roller banks.

FIG. 3E is a lateral sectional elevation view of the transfer platformof FIG. 3D, taken along the line 3E—3E.

FIG. 3F is a top plan view of the transfer platform, according to oneembodiment capable of being inclined for patient comfort, with theconveyor surface removed revealing rollers, roller banks, and a rollerframe.

FIG. 3G is an end elevation view of the transfer platform of FIG. 3F.

FIG. 3H is a side elevation view of the transfer platform of FIG. 3Fwith the inclinable roller bank in the flat position.

FIG. 3I is a side elevation view of the transfer platform of FIG. 3Fwith the inclinable roller bank in the inclined position.

FIG. 3J is a lateral cross-sectional elevation of some of the rollers,according to one embodiment, where the conveyor surface travels onrollers that are surrounded by a soft resilient material for creating asoft, comfortable resting surface for the patient.

FIG. 3K is a lateral cross-sectional elevation of some of the rollers,according to one embodiment, where at least a portion of the conveyorsurface is padded to create a soft, comfortable resting surface for thepatient.

FIG. 3L is a lateral end elevation of some of the rollers, according toone embodiment, where at least a portion of the conveyor surface ispadded by a series of soft ribs, which each run longitudinally acrossthe conveyor surface generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of therollers.

FIG. 3M is an enlarged lateral end elevation of the soft ribs depictedin FIG. 3L.

FIG. 3N is the same lateral end elevation as FIG. 3M and depicts thesoft ribs in a collapsed state.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional plan view of a tension extension device.

FIG. 5 is a latitudinal cross-sectional elevation view of a slottedsleeve channel end containing a transfer arm containing a carriagewheel.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional elevation view of the unexposedend of a transfer arm within a slotted sleeve channel end.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are flow charts illustrating use of the patient transferand transport device according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 schematically depicts the series of steps taken to transfer apatient from a hospital bed onto the patient transfer and transportdevice.

FIG. 9 schematically depicts the series of steps taken to transfer apatient from the patient transfer and transport device to a hospitalbed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a patient transfer and transport device1, according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 1, the patient transfer and transport device 1 has two transferarms 10 a, 10 b, a platform receiving frame 20, a transfer platform 30,two support posts 50 a, 50 b, and a base 60. The base 60 and the supportposts 50 a, 50 b support the frame 20 at a desirable height. Thetransfer arms 10 a, 10 b are attached to the frame 20 and support thetransfer platform 30 during lateral motion away from the frame 20.

As further shown in FIG. 1, the platform receiving frame 20 has a firstend 21 a, a second end 21 b, an enclosed side 22 a, and an open side 22b. In one embodiment, the ends 21 a, 21 b are slotted-sleeve channels,as further explained below. A rail handle 23 a is mounted on the firstend 21 a. A throttle rail handle 23 b is mounted on the second end 21 b.One of each of the transfer arms 10 a, 10 b is slidably mounted withineach end 21 a, 21 b. Each transfer arm 10 a, 10 b is capable of beingextended linearly, in a generally horizontal manner, out of itsrespective end 21 a, 21 b, away from the platform receiving frame 20, onthe open side 22 b of the frame 20.

The transfer platform 30 is located within the platform receiving frame20 and is capable of being linearly translated, in a generallyhorizontal manner, through the open side 22 b of the platform receivingframe 20, while being supported by the two transfer arms 10 a, 10 b. Inthe embodiment shown, the enclosed side 22 a and the open side 22 b willeach have an integrated safety rail 24 to prevent the patient fromrolling off of the transfer and transport device 1. In one embodiment,the transfer and transport device 1 further includes an actuator 25 forcausing motion of the transfer arms 10 a, 10 b. In one embodiment, theactuator 25 is a linear actuator. In one embodiment, the transferplatform 30 includes a locking mechanism for preventing linear motion ofthe transfer platform 30 within the transfer arms 10 a, 10 b.

FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of the transfer platform 30, including aconveyor surface 36, and FIG. 3A shows a top plan view of the transferplatform 30, with the conveyor surface 36 removed. As shown in FIG. 3A,in one embodiment, the transfer platform 30 includes a roller frame 31and a multitude of rollers 32. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3A,the transfer platform includes three roller banks 33. In otherembodiments more or fewer roller banks 33 are used. Depending on thestrength of the rollers 32, multiple banks 33 may be required to providea sufficiently strong bed to support the patient. As further shown inFIG. 3A, in one embodiment, the transfer platform 30 includes at leastone drive roller 34. In another embodiment, no drive roller 34 isincluded. In the embodiment having no drive roller 34, the operator mustmanually rotate the transfer platform 30. In one embodiment, thetransfer platform 30 also includes a tension roller 35 for maintainingtension on a conveyor surface 36. In another embodiment, two tensionrollers are included. In one embodiment, the drive roller 34 is alsoequipped to serve as a tension roller. FIGS. 2 and 3A further show amultitude of carriage wheels 39, extending from each end of the transferplatform 30.

As best shown in FIG. 3A, the rollers 32 are generally parallel to eachother and to the longitudinal dimension of the transfer platform 30. Therollers 32 are pivotably mounted within the roller frame 31 and aretightly spaced to support the patient. One embodiment of the inventionwould have a single roller bank 33 of rollers 32, each roller 32 runningthe full length of the patient transfer platform 30 uninterrupted.However, in the embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 3A, two or more rollerbanks 33 span the length of the patient transfer platform 30, tominimize the stresses on the connections between the rollers 32 and theroller frame 31. In this embodiment, the roller frame would haveintermediate bracing members 37 that would separate each roller bank 33from the other and would help support the ends of the rollers 32.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A, the roller frame 31 has two ends 38 a, 38 band two sides 38 c, 38 d. A conveyor surface 36 spans the roller frame31 between the ends 38 a, 38 b and surrounds the entire roller frame 31in one continuous belt enclosing the sides 38 c, 38 d and the rollerbanks 33. The conveyor surface 36 is washable for sanitizing purposesand is capable of being rotated around the roller frame 31. The conveyorsurface 36 rides on the drive roller 34, the tension roller 35, and therollers 32 of the roller banks 33 as the conveyor surface 36 rotatesaround the roller frame 31. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG.3J, which is a lateral cross-sectional elevation of some of the rollers32, 34, 35 in the roller frame 31, the conveyor surface 36 travels onrollers 32, 34, 35 that are surrounded by a soft resilient material 32 a(such as one or more layers of foam or rubber) for creating a soft,comfortable resting surface. In one embodiment, the safety rail 24 ismounted to the roller frame 31, such that when the transfer platform 30translates linearly, the safety rail 24 moves with it.

As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, in one embodiment, the transfer platform 30includes a tapered leading edge 99 to assist in loading and unloadingthe patient. In one embodiment, the tapered leading edge 99 is createdby using a set of rollers 100 having diameters that decrease toward theleading edge 99. In another embodiment, the tapered leading edge 99 iscreated by using a tapered low-friction material ending in a roller atthe tapered leading edge 99. In one embodiment, the transfer platform 30includes a shield 102 that extends along the bottom surface of theplatform 30, below the conveyor surface 36 and acts to prevent anysheets or clothing on the patient's bed from being pulled off the bed bythe conveyor surface 36.

In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3D and 3E, alow-friction platform 104 is substituted in place of the roller banks33. In one embodiment, the drive roller 34 and the tension roller 35 areretained. In this embodiment, the conveyor surface 36 rides on thelow-friction platform 104, the drive roller 34 and the tension roller35. In one embodiment, the low-friction platform 104 has a softresilient surface to provide the patient with a soft or cushionedsurface on which to rest. For example, the low-friction platform 104 mayhave one or more layers of foam or rubber to provide a soft resilientsurface. In another embodiment, the transfer platform 30 does notinclude the carriage wheels 39, but instead is coupled directly to thetransfer arms 10 a, 10 b. In this embodiment, the transfer platformextends laterally from the frame 20 when the transfer arms 10 a, 10 bare extended.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3F, 3G, 3H and 3I, the transferplatform 30 is adapted to incline for patient comfort. In thisembodiment, the roller frame 31 has a stationary roller bank 105 and aninclinable roller bank 107, which includes a hinge 106 located at adesired pivot point. FIG. 3H shows the transfer platform 30 in a flatposition with the inclinable roller bank 107 in the flat position. FIG.3I shows the transfer platform 30 in the inclined position with theinclinable roller bank 107 in an inclined position. In this embodiment,the stationary roller bank 105 and the inclinable roller bank 107 eachhave their own separate independently driven drive rollers 34 and theirown separate tension rollers 35. Also, the stationary roller bank 105and the inclinable roller bank 107 each have their own separate conveyorsurfaces 36. In another embodiment, a single conveyor surface 36encompasses both roller banks 105, 107, and the conveyor surface 36simply flexes at the hinge 106 as the hinge pivots 106 between the flatand inclined positions. In yet another embodiment, there are twoinclinable roller banks 107, one for elevating the head and shoulders ofthe patient and the other for elevating the feet and legs of thepatient.

In one embodiment, the transfer platform 30 further includes areplaceable cover adapted to mount to and cover the conveyor surface 36.The replaceable cover is adapted to absorb any of the patient's bodilyfluids that may exit the patient during the transfer and transportprocess. The replaceable cover acts to protect the conveyor surface 36.In one embodiment, the replaceable cover is disposable such that a newreplaceable cover is used with each patient transfer and transportprocess. In one embodiment, the replaceable cover is connected to theconveyor using an adhesive. In another embodiment the replaceable coveris connected to the conveyor using a hook-and-loop attachment mechanism.In one embodiment, hook-and-loop attachment strips extend around theentire periphery of the transfer platform, placed in at least twolocations, such that the strips are oriented in-line with the shearforce between the conveyor surface 36 and the replaceable cover.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3K, which is a lateralcross-sectional elevation of some of the rollers 32, 34, 35 in theroller frame 31, the conveyor surface 36 is padded to create a soft,comfortable resting surface for the patient. In one embodiment, thepadding 36 a is one or more layers of foam or rubber. In anotherembodiment, the padding 36 a is a honeycomb structure, a system ofchambers and pathways, or a series of tubes permanently filled with air,which results in an air mattress arrangement. In another embodiment, thepadding 36 a is a honeycomb structure, a system of chambers andpathways, or series of tubes wherein air is pumped into or vacuumed outof the honeycomb structure 36 a by a compressor/vacuum pump located onthe base 60 of the patient transfer and transport device 1. This allowsthe operator to adjust the level of firmness to meet the patient'sdesires.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3L, which is a lateral endelevation of some of the rollers 32, 34, 35 in the roller frame 31, atleast a portion of the conveyor surface 36 is padded by a series of softribs 120, which each run longitudinally across the conveyor surface 36,generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rollers 32, 34, 35.In one embodiment, only part of the conveyor surface is covered with theribs 120. In another embodiment, substantially all of conveyor surface36 is covered with the ribs 120. These ribs 120 create a soft,comfortable resting surface for the patient. In one embodiment, the softribs 120 are one or more layers of foam or rubber. In anotherembodiment, each soft rib 120 is a tube permanently filled with air,which results in an air mattress arrangement. In another embodiment,each soft rib 120 is a tube wherein air is pumped into or vacuumed outof the soft ribs 120 by a compressor/vacuum pump located on the base 60of the patient transfer and transport device 1. This allows the operatorto adjust the level of firmness to meet the patient's desires.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3L, the end of each soft rib 120 isinterconnected to the ends of its adjacent soft ribs 120 by an air canal122. The air canals 122 provide a path between the compressor/vacuumpump and the soft ribs 120 by which air is pumped into or vacuumed outof all of the soft ribs 120 at the same time.

As shown in FIG. 3M, which is an enlarged lateral end elevation of thesoft ribs depicted in FIG. 3L, each soft rib 120 has a top 121, a bottom123, and a concave wall 124. The concave wall 124 forms the continuousvertical perimeter wall of each soft rib 120. A crease line 126 islocated at the approximate top-to-bottom center of the concave wall 124.

As illustrated in FIG. 3N, which depicts the soft ribs 120 of FIG. 3M ina collapsed state, the crease line 126 facilitates the concave wall 124collapsing in towards the interior of the soft rib 120 as air isvacuumed from the soft rib 120. Thus, the top 121 of each soft rib 120displaces essentially vertically towards its respective bottom 123 wheneach soft rib 120 is collapsed into the collapsed position as shown inFIG. 3N. This allows each soft rib 120 to collapse into a repeatablecompact collapsed position, which facilitates the free travel of theconveying surface 36 about the roller frame 31. While the soft ribs 120are depicted as having concave walls 124 and flat tops 121, thoseskilled in the art will recognize that the soft ribs may have square,circular or other types of cross-sections. The configuration of softribs 120 illustrated is provided only for representative purposes andshould not be interpreted as limiting the disclosed invention.

In one embodiment, the soft resilient rollers 32, 34, 35, illustrated inFIG. 3J, are combined with one of the padded conveyor surfaces 36illustrated in FIGS. 3K and 3L. In another embodiment, theabove-described soft resilient low-friction platform 104 is combinedwith one of the padded conveyor surfaces 36 illustrated in FIGS. 3K and3L.

In one embodiment, the conveyor surface 36 may be rotated manually ineither direction. In another embodiment, the conveyor surface 36 isrotated in either direction via an electric motor. In one embodiment,the conveyor surface 36 is rotated by one or more drive rollers 34having integral electric motors within the drive rollers 34.

In one embodiment, the conveyor surface 36 may be locked by a lockingmechanism to prevent the conveyor surface 36 from rotating. This lockingmechanism may be manually or electrically operated.

As shown in FIG. 3A, all rollers 32, except the drive roller 34 and thetension roller 35, are located within the boundaries of the roller frame31 formed by its ends 38 a, 38 b and sides 38 c, 38 d. The drive roller34 and the tension roller 35 are located outside the boundaries formedby the sides 38 c, 38 d. The drive roller 34 and the tension roller 35are mounted on extensions of the two ends 38 a, 38 b. The extensionsthat support the drive roller 34 are called drive extensions 40. Theextensions that support the tension roller 35 are called tensionextensions 41. The tension roller 35 is used to maintain the propertension in the conveyor belt as will be explained below. In oneembodiment, the drive roller 34 is connected to an electric motor andcauses the conveyor surface 36 to rotate. In another embodiment, wherethe drive roller 34 is not powered by a motor, the conveyor surface isrotated manually.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional plan view of the tension extensions 41 ofthe transfer platform 30, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. As shown, the tension extensions 41 are comprised of atelescoping shell 42 that is capable of telescoping over or off of aninner member 43, which is the tip of the end 38 a, 38 b of the rollerframe 31. The telescoping shell 42 has an enclosed end 44 through whicha threaded rod 45 is pivotably secured. The threaded rod 45 runs downthrough the center of the telescoping shell 42 and is threadably engagedwith the threaded hole 46 in the end of the inner member 43. Thethreaded rod 45 can then be rotated to extend or retract the telescopingshell 42 of the tension extension 41 in order to reduce or increaseslack in the conveyor surface 36. Those skilled in the art willrecognize that maintaining the proper tension in the conveyor surface 36by extending the tension roller 35 via the tension extensions 41 willprovide the necessary contact between the drive roller 34 and theconveyor surface 36 to allow the drive roller 34 to cause the conveyorsurface 36 to rotate around the roller frame 31. Those skilled in theart will also recognize that proper adjustment of the tension in eachtension extension 41 will prevent the conveyor surface 36 from skewingoff of the surface of the rollers 32 as the conveyer surface 36 rotates.Finally, those skilled in the art will also recognize that the tensionmaintenance mechanism disclosed in this specification is just one ofmany similar configurations that are well known in the art. The tensionmaintenance mechanism illustrated here is only provided forrepresentative purposes. In other embodiments, other known tensionmaintenance techniques are used.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show sectional views of the transfer arms 10 a, 10 b,according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, thetransfer arms 10 a, 10 b are slidably mounted within each slotted sleevechannel end 21 a, 21 b. Each transfer arm 10 a, 10 b is capable of beinghorizontally extended out of its respective slotted sleeve channel end21 a, 21 b, away from the frame 20, on the open side 22 b of the frame20. In one embodiment of the invention, the transfer arms 10 a, 10 b maybe extended and retracted manually. In another embodiment, the transferarms 10 a, 10 b are automatically extended and retracted. In oneembodiment, the transfer arms 10 a, 10 b are extended or retracted bythe linear actuator 25 located adjacent to each slotted sleeve channelend 21 a, 21 b. In various embodiments, the linear actuators 25 act onthe transfer arms 10 a, 10 b via hydraulic or pneumatic rams, levers,gears or screws, or other mechanical means of transferring force. In oneembodiment, each linear actuator 25 has an integral electric motor foroperating a system of gears and gear racks, screws, and/or levers tocause the transfer arms 10 a, 10 b to extend or retract. In anotherembodiment, an electric hydraulic or pneumatic pump provides pressure tothe rams of the actuators 25 to cause the transfer arms 10 a, 10 b toextend or retract. In one embodiment, a locking mechanism is providedfor locking each transfer arm 10 a, 10 b in place to prevent itshorizontal translation. The locking mechanism may be either manually orelectrically operated.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a low profile roller 11 ismounted on the exposed end of each transfer arm 10 a, 10 b. In oneembodiment, each low profile roller 11 is fitted with a contact sensorthat indicates when the low profile roller 11 has made sufficientlysolid contact with the top surface of the hospital bed to facilitate thepatient transfer. In this embodiment, the sensor provides an input tothe transfer arm control system.

As shown in FIG. 6, in one embodiment, each unexposed end (i.e., the endthat always remains within the slotted sleeve channel end 21 a, 21 b) ofthe transfer arm 10 a, 10 b has tapered edges 15 to allow the carriagewheels 39 to easily roll into or out of the transfer arms 10 a, 10 bwhen the transfer arms 10 a, 10 b are in their extended position. Eachtransfer arm 10 a, 10 b has one carriage wheel slot 13 that runs nearlythe full length of the transfer arm 10 a, 10 b. Each carriage wheel slot13 opens horizontally towards the center of the transfer platform 30.Similarly, each slotted sleeve channel end 21 a, 21 b has one carriagewheel slot 14 that runs nearly the full length of the slotted sleevechannel end 21 a, 21 b. Each carriage wheel slot 14 of the slottedsleeve channel end 21 a, 21 b also opens horizontally towards the centerof the transfer platform 30 and aligns with and matches dimensionallythe carriage wheel slot 13 of its respective transfer arm 10 a, 10 b, ascan be seen in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3A, multiple carriage wheels 39 are rollablymounted on each roller frame end 38 a, 38 b, the axis of each carriagewheel 39 being generally parallel to the long dimension of the transferplatform 30. As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, when the transfer andtransport device 1 is assembled, the carriage wheels 39 are locatedwithin the carriage wheel slots 13 of the transfer arms 10 a, 10 b andthe carriage wheel slots 14 of the slotted sleeve channel ends 21 a, 21b. The carriage wheels 39 roll in the carriage wheel slots 13, 14, thusallowing the transfer platform 30 to translate linearly, in a generallyhorizontal manner, out through the open side 22 b of the frame 20 whenthe transfer arms 10 a, 10 b are in the extended position as shown inFIG. 1. In one embodiment, the operator manually translates the transferplatform 30 horizontally. In another embodiment, the transfer platform30 is powered by an electric motor. In one embodiment, a cam lock systemis provided on each transfer arm 10 a, 10 b to lock the carriage wheels39 to prevent the transfer platform 30 from translating horizontally.

As shown in FIG. 1, the frame 20 is supported by two support posts 50 a,50 b. The bottom of each support post 50 a, 50 b rests on and connectsto the base 60. In one embodiment, each support post 50 a, 50 b is ahydraulic or pneumatic ram, which is pumped manually or by an electricpump in order to raise or lower the frame 20. Those skilled in the artwill readily recognize other means of extending or shortening thesupport posts 50 a, 50 b in order to raise or lower the frame 20. Thesemeans include mechanical force transferring devices like a spur-gear andgear rack combination, a worm-gear screw jack, or other similar meansfor transferring force mechanically. All of these devices may be poweredby one or more electric motors. In an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention, the support posts 50 a, 50 b, with their accompanyinglifting devices, are replaced with a scissor lift as is well known inthe art.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the base 60 is comprised of two long braces 61a, 61 b, two short braces 62 a, 62 b, and two post platforms 63 a, 63 b.Each support post 50 a, 50 b is supported by and centered on one postplatform 63 a, 63 b. The two long braces 61 a, 61 b run parallel to eachother and horizontally between their perpendicular connections to thetwo short braces 62 a, 62 b. Each post platform 63 a, 63 b restshorizontally on and is connected to the top horizontal surfaces of thelong braces 61 a, 61 b and the short braces 62 a, 62 b, near theintersections of the braces 61 a, 61 b, 62 a, 62 b. In otherembodiments, other structural configurations are employed.

As further shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the transfer andtransport device 1 includes one or more batteries 65 coupled to the base60. The batteries 65 are secured in battery trays 64 and provide powerfor the various electric motors on the transfer and transport device 1.The batteries 65 also provide ballast to prevent the transfer andtransport device 1 from tipping. In one embodiment, four 12-volt gelbatteries are included. In one embodiment, the base 60 includes castors66, which are lockable and capable of pivoting 360 degrees. In oneembodiment, the transfer and transport device 1 includes a drive wheel67 mounted to the base 60. The drive wheel 67 has an electric motor andgearbox in its hub. In one embodiment, the drive wheel 67 is mounted ona trailing arm suspension 68. The trailing arm suspension 68 is springloaded and attached to the base 60. The drive wheel 67 may be raised orlowered by manual or motorized means. Raising the drive wheel 67completely will allow for increased ease of maneuverability.

In one embodiment, the electrical system will have the followingfeatures: a programmable motor controller; a built-in battery charger; acontrol panel with status indicators; a touch sensitive throttle 26 tocontrol the drive wheel 67; a handheld remote control to control alltransfer functions; an emergency shutoff; and multiple safetyinterlocks. The touch sensitive throttle 26 is ergonomically contouredand located on the throttle rail handle 23 b. The touch sensitivethrottle 26 is used by the operator to cause the drive wheel 67 to goforward or backward. Speed and direction is proportional to themagnitude and direction of the force applied to the touch sensitivethrottle 26 by the operator. For example, if the operator pushes forwardon the throttle 26, the patient transfer and transport device 1 will goforward. Likewise, if the operator pulls backwards on the throttle 26,the device 1 will go backwards. If the operator pulls or pushes hard onthe throttle 26, the device 1 will move more quickly than it will if theoperator pushes or pulls lightly on the throttle 26. In one embodiment,the device 1 includes a microprocessor for executing code to control oneor more aspects of the operation of the device 1.

By using the hand held remote control, the operator will be able toperform one or more of the following maneuvers: extend and retract thetransfer arms 10 a, 10 b linearly and in a generally horizontal manner,raise or lower the transfer platform 30 by actuating the hydraulic orpneumatic rams in the support posts 50 a, 50 b, translate generallyhorizontally and linearly the transfer platform 30, and rotate theconveyor surface 36. In one embodiment, the remote control communicateswith the microprocessor on the device 1 via wireless communication, suchas radio frequency or infrared communication. In another embodiment, theremote control communicates with the microprocessor on the device 1 viahardwired connection.

In one embodiment, electronic safety interlocks are provided for theintegrated safety rails 24, the drive wheel 67 motor, thehydraulic/pneumatic rams in the support posts 50 a, 50 b, the motor forthe conveyor surface 36, the linear actuator 25 for the transfer arms 10a, 10 b, and the motor that moves the transfer platform 30 generallyhorizontally. Status indicators on the control panel, in addition toindicating the battery charge and other useful information, willindicate the status of these safety interlocks.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are flow charts showing a method 70 of using the patienttransfer and transport device 1, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention, to transfer a patient from a hospital bed onto thepatient transfer and transport device 1. FIG. 8 schematically depictsthe series of steps taken in the method 70 to transfer a patient from ahospital bed onto the patient transfer and transport device 1. FIG. 9schematically depicts the series of steps taken to transfer a patientfrom the patient transfer and transport device 1 to a hospital bed(i.e., FIG. 9 depicts the method 70 in reverse).

While reference is made to transferring to and from a hospital bed, thesame procedure is used for transferring the patient to and from othermedical patient support surfaces found in a medical environment,including procedural surfaces (e.g., an x-ray table and an operatingtable). Any reference to bed or hospital bed, therefore, also includesother medical patient support surfaces including procedural surfaces. Asshown in FIGS. 7A, 7B and 8, the operator of the transfer and transportdevice 1 maneuvers the empty transfer and transport device 1 intoposition along side the patient's bed 150, until the open side 22 b isadjacent to the side of the bed 150 and the longitudinal centers of thepatient 152 and the device 1 coincide (block 72; block A). Next, theoperator adjusts the support posts 50 a, 50 b to adjust the height ofthe transfer and transport device 1 so that the transfer arms 10 a, 10 bwill clear the top of the bed 150 when extended (block 74; block A). Theoperator lowers the integrated safety rail 24 of the device 1 on theopen side 22 b and locks the castors 66 to prevent movement of thetransfer and transport device 1 during patient transfer (block 76; blockA).

The operator utilizes the remote control to extend the transfer arms 10a, 10 b generally horizontally until the low profile roller 11 on theend of each transfer arm 10 a, 10 b is located near the centerline ofthe patient's hospital bed 150 (block 78; block B). At this point, thetransfer arms 10 a, 10 b will straddle the patient 152 end to end. Theoperator uses the remote control to lower the transfer platform 30 untilthe contact sensors located on the low profile rollers 11 indicate solidcontact between the patient's bed top and the transfer arms 10 a, 10 b(block 80; block C). Extending the transfer arms 10 a, 10 b so that thelow profile rollers 11 are at least as far as the center of the bed 150and lowering the transfer arms 10 a, 10 b solidly onto the bed top willallow the patient's bed 150 to help support the transfer arms 10 a, 10b, thus preventing the transfer and transport device 1 from tipping overduring the loading of the patient 152 onto the transfer platform 30.

At this point, in one embodiment, the operator may use the remotecontrol to cause the compressor or compressed air storage tank toinflate the padded conveyor surface 36 prior to loading the patient ontothe transfer platform. Alternatively, the operator may wait to inflatethe padded conveyor surface 36 until after the patient is resting on theconveyor surface 36.

The operator (or another member of the hospital staff) then log-rollsthe patient 152 to expose the patient's back to the transfer andtransport device 1 and extends the transfer platform 30 linearly, in agenerally horizontal manner, out of its transport position within theframe 20 until the edge of the transfer platform 30 reaches thepatient's back (block 82; block D). The operator then locks the transferplatform 30 to prevent its horizontal linear motion, lowers the patient152 onto the edge of the transfer platform 30, and causes the conveyorsurface 36 to rotate in a direction that will pull the patient 152 uponto the transfer platform 30, until the patient 152 is centered on thetransfer platform 30 (block 84; blocks E and F). The operator then usesthe remote control to unlock and move the transfer platform 30 linearly,in a generally horizontal manner, back to its transport position withinthe frame 20, where it is locked both linearly and rotationally (block86; block G). In one embodiment, once the patient transport platform 30is back in transport position within the frame 20, a sensor iscontacted, automatically stopping the movement of the transfer platform30.

The operator then uses the remote control to raise the device 1 toreduce the pressure on the transfer arms 10 a, 10 b and to retract thetransfer arms 10 a, 10 b (block 88; blocks H and I). The castors 66 areunlocked and the transfer and transport device 1 is maneuvered away fromthe patient's bed. The remote control is then used to lower the transferplatform 30 to transport height and to lower the drive wheel 67. Theoperator then activates the drive wheel 67 to propel the device 1forward by pushing on the touch sensitive throttle 26 located on thethrottle rail handle 23 b. Likewise, the drive wheel 67 will propel thedevice 1 backwards when the operator pulls on the touch sensitivethrottle 26. The touch sensitive throttle 26 has proportional control.Thus, the rotational speed of the drive wheel 67 will be relative to themagnitude of the force applied to the throttle 26 by the operator. Forexample, increasing the force applied to the throttle 26 results inincreased speed while decreasing the force results in decreased speed.Using the transfer and transport device 1, the patient can then betransported to another location and transferred to another bed byreversing the above-recited steps (see FIG. 9, blocks A–I).

In one embodiment, the microprocessor is programmed to automaticallycause many of the above steps to be performed to assist a singleoperator in performing the transfer process. For example, in oneembodiment, the remote control includes an “extend arms” button, whichtriggers the microprocessor to cause extension of the arms and loweringof the platform until a signal is received from the sensor indicatingcontact with the bed. In one embodiment, the remote control includes an“extend platform” button, which triggers the microprocessor to unlockthe transfer platform, linearly translate the platform out, in agenerally horizontal manner, onto the transfer arms, lock the platformlinearly, and initiate rotation of the conveying surface. In oneembodiment, the remote control includes a “retract platform” button,which triggers the microprocessor to stop rotation of the conveyingsurface, unlock the platform linearly, retract the platform linearly, ina generally horizontal manner, to its home position, and relock theplatform both linearly and rotationally. In another embodiment, theremote control includes a separate button to start and stop rotation ofthe conveying surface. In another embodiment, the remote controlincludes a separate button to actuate the compressor and/or compressedair storage tank to cause the padded conveyor surface to inflate. Inanother embodiment, the remote control includes a separate button toactuate the vacuum pump to deflate the padded conveyor surface 36. Inother embodiments, the remote control includes other configurations ofbuttons, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art.

Although the present invention has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention.

1. An apparatus for moving a patient between a patient support surfaceand the apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a frame supported by awheeled base and comprising first and second transfer arms adapted toextend away from the frame, wherein the wheeled base comprises a powereddrive wheel; and a patient support platform supported by the frame andadapted to extend away from the frame along the transfer arms, whereinthe transfer arms, platform and frame are configured such that thetransfer arms are capable of extending away from the frame before theplatform is allowed to extend.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein whenthe transfer arms are extended and in contact with the patient supportsurface, the transfer arms serve to stabilize the apparatus as thepatient support platform displaces along transfer arms.
 3. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the distance between the wheeled base and frame isadjustable.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame furthercomprises first and second latitudinal ends and first and secondlongitudinal sides that are located between the first and second ends.5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the ends and sides of the framedefine an area in which the platform is received when the platform hasnot been extended away from the frame.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5,wherein the first side has an open configuration that allows theplatform to exit through the first side of the frame when extending awayfrom the frame.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first sidecomprises a side safety rail that may be lowered to allow the platformto exit the frame when extending away from the frame.
 8. The apparatusof claim 4, wherein the first end comprises a throttle handle forcontrolling the speed and direction of the drive wheel.
 9. An apparatusfor moving a patient between a patient support surface and theapparatus, the apparatus comprising: a frame supported by a wheeled baseand comprising first and second transfer arms adapted to extend awayfrom the frame; and a patient support platform supported by the frame,adapted to extend away from the frame along the transfer arms, andcomprising a conveyor surface, a drive roller and a low-frictionsurface, wherein the conveyor surface is disposed around the platform,the drive roller is adapted to displace the conveyor surface and thelow-friction surface is adapted to support the conveyor surface as saidsurface is displaced, wherein the transfer arms, platform and frame areconfigured such that the transfer arms are capable of extending awayfrom the frame before the platform is allowed to extend.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 9, wherein the low-friction surface comprises a softresilient surface.
 11. An apparatus for moving a patient between apatient support surface and the apparatus, the apparatus comprising: aframe supported by a wheeled base and comprising first and secondtransfer arms adapted to extend away from the frame; and a patientsupport platform supported by the frame, adapted to extend away from theframe along the transfer arms, and comprising a conveyor surface, adrive roller and a roller bank, wherein the conveyor surface is disposedaround the platform, the drive roller is adapted to displace theconveyor surface and the roller bank is adapted to support the conveyorsurface as said surface is displaced, wherein the transfer arms,platform and frame are configured such that the transfer arms arecapable of extending away from the frame before the platform is allowedto extend.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the roller bankcomprises a roller circumferentially enclosed by a soft resilientsurface.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the platform has atapered leading side edge.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein atleast a portion of the conveyor surface comprises a padded area.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 14, wherein the padded area is removable from theconveyor surface.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein an operator cancause the padded area to inflate or deflate to adjust the degree ofpadding.
 17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the platform furthercomprises a shield extending along a bottom surface of the platform suchthat the conveyor surface passes between the shield and the bottomsurface of the platform.
 18. An apparatus for moving a patient between apatient support surface and the apparatus, the apparatus comprising: aframe supported by a wheeled base and comprising first and secondtransfer arms adapted to extend away from the frame; and a patientsupport platform supported by the frame, adapted to extend away from theframe along the transfer arms, comprising a conveyor surface disposedaround the platform, and wherein the platform is inclinable, wherein thetransfer arms, platform and frame are configured such that the transferarms are capable of extending away from the frame before the platform isallowed to extend.
 19. An apparatus for moving a patient between apatient support surface and the apparatus, the apparatus comprising: aframe supported by a wheeled base and comprising first and secondtransfer arms adapted to extend away from the frame; and a patientsupport platform supported by the frame and adapted to extend away fromthe frame along the transfer arms, wherein the transfer arms, platformand frame are configured such that the transfer arms are capable ofextending away from the frame before the platform is allowed to extend,wherein at least one of the transfer arms comprises a contact sensor forindicating when said transfer arm, when in an extended state, hasadequately contacted the patient support surface.
 20. An apparatus formoving a patient between a patient support surface and the apparatus,the apparatus comprising: a frame supported by a wheeled base andcomprising first and second transfer arms adapted to extend away fromthe frame; and a patient support platform supported by the frame andadapted to extend away from the frame along the transfer arms, whereinthe transfer arms, platform and frame are configured such that thetransfer arms are capable of extending away from the frame before theplatform is allowed to extend, wherein each of the transfer armscomprise an electrically powered linear actuator adapted to extend saidarms away from the frame.
 21. An apparatus for moving a patient betweena patient support surface and the apparatus, the apparatus comprising: aframe supported by a wheeled base and comprising first and secondtransfer arms adapted to extend away from the frame; and a patientsupport platform supported by the frame and adapted to extend away fromthe frame along the transfer arms, wherein the transfer arms, platformand frame are configured such that the transfer arms are capable ofextending away from the frame before the platform is allowed to extend,wherein each of the transfer arms are telescopically extendable from theframe.
 22. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a remote controlfor controlling at least some of the functions of the apparatus.